E6400 - First Steps

My sister's E6400 just arrived (3 days early, way to go Dell). any important first steps to do? also, how much bloatware should i expect?

 

Basically zero bloatware. You can always do a clean install if you want though. Also, make sure whether to note if you like DCP (Dell control panel) since you can always remove it and just the native drivers if you wish.

 

yeah, been meaning to ask about the DCP stuff. there's two icons for it in the task bar, one for the DCP and one for some sort of manager. can i uninstall both without compromising the computer's capability to function how i want it to?

 

Yep, if you want to use the DCP...really just install the core module, ignore the wireless and security ones. They're essentially useless. If you just install the core module you get the on screen notifications, and the power management settings. I'd keep just the core module, since you can always disable it from auto run on startup. Plus, it's only 1 keystroke away always.

 

I wouldn't bother with the clean install. The factory installation has some advantages such as pre-loaded drivers for all three HDD interface modes.

John

 

So I can just follow a standard "make vista faster" guide rather then doing anything specific for the E6400?

 

Yeah......